Pulse actuated sequential relay mechanism



Sept. 22, 1964 w. o. O'NEAL 3,

PULSE ACTUATED SEQUENTIAL RELAY MECHANISM Filed Jan. 2, 1962 3Sheets-Sheei 1 bt o ='i Iii? 9 W 3 a L i i i as K L ll 39 n 7 \L I l 38I I I] 3 5 hi II 3 7 N 23 54 34 INVENTOR: WILBERT O. O'NEAL @XQwL-wATT'YJ.

Sept. 1964 w. o. O'NEAL 3,150,292

PULSE ACTUATED SEQUENTIAL RELAY MECHANISM Filed Jan. 2, 1962 3Sheets-Sheet 2 41 43 I 47, 43 L all I 43 INVENTOR:

. N E A WIL ERT ATTYS United States Patent 3,150,292 PULSE ACTUATEDSEQUENTIAL RELAY MECHANISM Wilbert 0. ONeal, 448 S. Kennicott Ave.,Arlington Heights, Ill. Filed Jan. 2, 1962, Ser. No. 163,940 11 Claims.(Cl. 317-139) This invention relates to control mechanisms and moreparticularly to control mechanisms which are particularly well adaptedfor use in coin-operated vending machines, and the like, for effectingsequential vending of articles from a plurality of stacks or columns.

A primary object of the present invention is to afford a novel controlmechanism.

In coin-operated vending machines, and the like, it is often desirableto vend or dispense the same merchandise from a plurality of sources ofsupply in the machine, such as, for example, from a plurality of stacksor columns therein. In such machines, when the selection of which of theplurality of columns the particular article is dispensed from iscontrolled by the customer, it presents a service problem. This iscaused by the fact that the customers may select the merchandise fromprimarily one or two of the stacks, so that, unless the servicemanswitches the merchandise from one stack to the other in the machineduring the servicing thereof, the merchandise in some of the stacks,which are seldom selected by the customers, may become old in storage.It is an important object of the present invention to enable thisdifliculty to be overcome in a novel, practical, and expeditious manner.

Another object of the present invention is to enable merchandise, or thelike, to be dispensed sequentially from a plurality of such stacks in anovel and expeditious manner.

Another object of the present invention is to afford a novel controlmechanism for effecting sequential operation of a plurality of actuatingmechanisms.

A further object is to afford a novel control mechanism for vendingmachines, and the like, embodying a plurality of individual vendingmechanisms, whereby the operation of the mechanisms may be automaticallycontrolled to eifect sequential operation thereof in a novel andexpeditious manner.

Yet another object is to afford a novel electrically operated controlmechanism of the aforementioned type.

Another object of the present invention is to afford a novel controlmechanism of the aforementioned type, which may be quickly and easilyvaried to accommodate various numbers of actuating mechanisms.

Another object is to afford a novel control mechanism of theaforementioned type which is practical and efficient in operation andmay be readily and economically produced commercially.

Other and further objects of the present invention will be apparent fromthe following description and claims and are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings which, by way of illustration, show preferredembodiments of the present invention and the principles thereof and whatI now consider to be the best mode in which I have contemplated applyingthese principles. Other embodiments of the invention embodying thesameor equivalent principles may be used and structural changes may be madeas desired by those skilled in the art without departing from thepresent invention and the purview of the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a vending machineincluding control mechanism embodying the principles of the presentinvention;

"ice

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken substantially alongthe line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the controlmechanism shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a detail sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the control mechanism shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 5, but showing certainparts of the control mechanism disposed in different operative position;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIGS. 5 and 6, but showingparts of the control mechanism disposed in different operative position;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but showing a modified form of thecontrol mechanism;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, but showing parts of the controlmechanism disposed in different operative position;

*IG. 10 is a view similar to FIGS. 8 and 9, but showing parts of thecontrol mechanism disposed in different operative positions; and

FIG. 11 is a View similar to FIGS. 8-10, but showing certain parts ofthe control mechanism disposed in different operative position.

A control mechanism 1, embodying the principles of the presentinvention, is shown in the drawings mounted in a vending machine 2 toillustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The control mechanism 1 shown in FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings is of thetype which embodies three solenoids 3, 4 and 5, each including a coil orwinding 6 and a longitudinally movable core or armature, in the form ofan elongated plunger 7, FIGS. 1 and 3. The control mechanism 1 iseffective, by sequential energization of the solenoids 3-5, to causecontrolled sequential operation of three actuating mechanisms, or thelike, as will be discussed in greater detail presently.

In general, the vending machine 2 is of the type which includes aplurality of chambers or compartments 8 from which merchandise, such as,for example, bottles 9 may be stored in individual stacks or columns,with the merchandise being dispensed from each compartment from thebottom of the respective stack therein.

A detailed understanding of the construction and operation of thevending machine 2 is not necessary for an understanding of the inventiondisclosed herein. It is sufficient, for the purposes of the presentdisclosure, to statethat the vending machine 2 shown in the drawings,FIG. 1, is of a type wherein the actuating mechanism for vending anarticle of merchandise from each of the compartments 8 is actuated by arespective solenoid, such as, for example, one of the solenoids 3, 4, 5,associated with that particular chamber 8.

The solenoids 3-5 shown in the drawings are of the type wherein, whenthe solenoid is energized, the armature 7 thereof is moved upwardly fromthe normal at-rest positions therefor shown in solid lines in FIGS. 5-7to the positions shown in broken lines therein, and when the solenoidsare deenergized, the armatures 7 thereof are disposed in theaforementioned normal, at-rest positions.

i The actuating mechanism associated with each of the columns 8 oftheVending machine 2 is preferably of the type wherein, when therespective solenoid, such as one of the solenoids 3-5 is energized, andthe armature 7 thereof moves upwardly, the actuating mechanism for thatcolumn 8 is immediately actuated to thereby dispense the lowermostarticle of merchandise 9 from the bottom of the stack in that column.The energization of the solenoids of the vending machine 2 may becontrolled by any suitable, normally open switch 10, FIGS.

- 5-7. The switch 10 may be of any suitable type, such ary contact 18. r

Q as, for example, a manually operable switch, or a coinoperated switch.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in'the art, it

has been common practice in commercial vending machines, and the like,which embodied a plurality of stacks of merchandise to be vended, toleave the selection of the stack from which the merchandise is to bevended to the customer operating the machine. In machines wherein eachstack constitutes a different type of merchandise, this does not presentany special problem, because the Serviceman, when he services themachine, merely refills, from the top, the stacks of merchandise whichhave become partially depleted. However, in some commercial vendingmachines, and the like, embodying a plurality of such stacks ofmerchandise, it is oftentimes desirable to embody a plurality of stacksof the same identical merchandise, such as, for example, several stacksof a particular beverage which has proven to be especially popular inthat particular location. Under these circumstances,,it has been foundthat where the choice of which of a plurality of stacks one particulartype of merchandise is to be vended from is left to the choice of thecustomer, it creates a servicing problem because the customers mayrepeatedly vend that mechandise from one particular stack, so that whenthe Serviceman calls to service the machine, it is necessary for him toshift that particular mechandise from one stack to the other in themachine, in order to have the merchandise vended from the machine on afirst-in first-out basis. The novel control mechanism 1 disclosed hereinovercomes this difliculty, and affords mechanism by which it may beinsured that when the same type of, merchandise is to be vented from aplurality of columns in a vending machine, such as, for example, thevending machine 2 shown in FIG. 1, vending of the merchandise from suchstacks is accomplished sequentially, with the vending of each article ofmerchandise occurring from a different stack than the immediatelypreceding vending of such an article. In this manner, it is insured thatthe merchan dise'vended from such a machine will be vended therefrom ina first-in first-out basis, even when that particular, merchandiseoccupies several columns or stacks in the machine.

The control mechanism 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 of the drawings, iscontrol rnechanism for sequentially actuating three actuatingmechanisms, such as, for example, the

. actuating mechanisms for the first three columns 8, from ranged in amanner which will be described in greater detail presently.

The switches 10, 15 and 16 are o f'types which are available on themarket and form no part'of the present invention, except insofar as theyform a part of my novel combination. V

The switches 15 and 16 are identical in construction, and each includestwo stationary contacts 17 and '18 and a movable contact or pole 19.movable between the stationary contacts 17 and 18 intoalternate'engagement :therewith,'FIGS. -7. Each of the switches15 and 16includes a suitableactuating member such as a button 20, FIG. '2, forthe pole 19, the actuating spring member 21 being movablebetweenmrextended position, such as that shown in broken lines in FIG. 2, whereinit is eifective to dispose the-pole piece 19 in engagement with thestationary contact 17, and a depressed position, such as- Each of theswitches 15 and 16 also includes an elongated leaf-spring 21 having alower end portion mounted on a suitable mounting bracket 22 in the lowerend portion of the housing 23 of the switch 15 or 16, FIG. 2, with theleaf-spring 21 extending upwardly from the bracket 22 past the pushbutton 2%) in such position that when the spring 21 is disposed in oneoperative position, such as, for example, the position shown in solidlines in FIG. 2, it is effective to hold the button 20 in theaforementioned depressed position, and when the spring 21 is disposed inanother operative position, such as, for example, the position shown inbroken lines in FIG. 2, it is effective to permit the button 20 to moveoutwardly into extended position.

Each of the. switches 15 and 16 also includes a cam 24- mounted on androtatable with a shaft 25, which is rotatably mounted in the housing 23of the respective switch 15 or 16. The cam 24 includes four equallyspaced, substantially radially projecting lobes 26, each having a notch27 formed in the outer periphery thereof, FIG. 2. A sprocket wheel 28,having eight-equally spaced teeth 29 projecting outwardly from theperiphery thereof, is also mounted on and secured to the shaft 25 forrotation therewith.

Each of the switches 15 and 16 also includes a plunger 3t having anupper end portion '31 slid'ably mounted in two vertically spacedbrackets 32 and 33 in the housing 23 thereof, and a lower end portion 34projecting downwardly from the respective housing 23, FIGS. 2, 3, and

, Each of the switches 15 and 16 also includes a leafspring 35 disposedin substantially upright position in the respective housing 23, withthelower end portion thereof secured by suitable means such'as, forexample, a rivet' 36 to one leg 37 of a substantially L-shaped bracket38, FIG. 2. The other leg'39 of the bracket 33 is mounted on and securedto the upper end portion 31 of the plunger 30 between the brackets 32and 33. The leaf-spring 35 has a slot 46 formed in the upper end portionthereof, FIGS. 2 and 4, the slot 40 terminating at its upper end inspaced relation to the upper end of the leaf-spring 35 to thereby afforda closed upper end portion 41 on the leaf-spring 35.

In each of the switches 15 and 1s, a compression coil spring 42 ismounted on the upper end portion of the plunger 30 between the bracket32 and the upper face of the leg 39 of the mounting bracket 38 tothereby urge the bracket 38 and, therefore, the leaf-spring 35 and theplunger 34) downwardly into the position shown in solid line in FIG. 2,wherein the leg 39 rests on top of the bracket 33. This position is thenormal, at-rest position of the plunger 39 in the switches 15 and 16.

In the operation of the switches 15 and 16, the plunger 2 3% thereof islongitudinally reciprocated between the FIG. 2, the upper end portion ofthe leaf-spring 35, is disshown in solid lines in FIG. '2,'wherein itis'etfective to q disposethe pole piece 19 in engagement with thestation of a revolution in a counterclockwise direction, as-viewed inPEG. 2; a e

In eachof the switches 15 and 16, the cam 24 is so disposed relative tothe leaf-spring 21, that when the plunger 30 is disposed in theaforementioned normal, atrest position, the free end of the leaf-spring21 is disposed in engagement in either a notch 27 in one of the lobes26, or is disposed between two adjacent lobes 26. When the leaf-spring21 is engaged in a notch 27 in one of the lobes 26, it is retained bythe cam 24 in the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2, and when itis disposed between two adjacent lobes 26, it is disposed in theposition shown in broken lines in FIG. 2. It will be seen that eachreciprocation of the plunger 30 is efiective to rotate the sprocketwheel 28 and, therefore, the cam 24 one-eighth of a revolution, so thatthe leaf-spring 21 is alternately disposed in the aforementioned solidline position and broken line position at the end of successiverevolutions of the sprocket wheel 28 and the cam 24. Thus, it will beseen that repeated reciprocations of the plunger 30 of each of theswitches 15 and 16 is effective to move the pole 19 of the respectiveswitch 15 or 16 alternately into engagement with the stationary contacts17 and 18 thereof. Also, at the completion of each reciprocation of theplunger 30 of each switch 15 and 16, the cam 24 and, therefore, thesprocket wheel 23 thereof is held against rotation by the leaf-spring 21engaging either in one of the notches 27 or between the lobes 26.

The solenoids 3-5 in the control mechanism 1 are preferably disposed inspaced, aligned, side-by-side relation to each other, as shown in FIGS.1, 3 and 5-7, with the switch 15 disposed between the solenoids 3 and 4,and the switch 16 disposed between the solenoids 4 and 5. One end 43 ofthe winding 6 of each of the solenoids 3-5 is electrically connected tothe conductor 11 by conductors 44, 45 and 46, respectively, FIGS. 5-7.The solenoids 3-5 also each have another end 47 on their respectivewindings 6, FIGS. 5-7.

The end 47 of the winding 6 of the solenoid 3 is connected by anelectrical conductor 48 to the stationary con tact 17 of the switch 15,FIGS. 5-7. The end 47 of the winding 6 of the solenoid 4 is connected bya conductor 49 to the stationary contact 13 of the switch 15. The end 47of the winding 6 of the solenoid 5 is connected to the stationarycontact 18 of the switch 16 by a conductor 51?. The other stationarycontact 17 of the switch 16 is connected by a conductor 51 to the pole19 of the switch 15. The pole 19 of the switch 16 is connected by aconductor 52 to one side of the normally open switch 16, and the otherside of the switch is connected to the conductor 12.

The control mechanism 1 also includes two links 53 and 54, each havingan elongated slot or opening 55 in each end portion thereof, the slots55 extending longitudinally of the longitudinal center lines of thelinks 53 and 54, FIGS. 5-7. The link 53 extends between the solenoids 3and 4 andis secured to the lower end portions of the plungers '7 thereofby pins 56 and 57, respectively, which extend through respective ones ofthe slots 55 in the link 53. Similarly, the link 54 extends betweensolenoids 4 and 5 and is connected to the lower end portions of theplungers 7 thereof by the pin 57 and a pin 58, respectively, whichextends through respective ones of the slots 55 in the link 54. Theswitches and 16 are so disposed relative to the solenoids 3-5, that thelower ends of the plungers thereof rest on top of the longitudinalcentral portion of the links 53 and 54, respectively, FIGS. 1, 3 and5-7. Thus, it will be seen that the springs 42 in the switches 15 and 16are effective to urge the plungers 7 of the solenoids 3-5 downwardlytoward fully extended position. i a

When the solenoids 3-5 are deenergized, the links 53 and 54 are disposedin substantially longitudinally aligned relation to each other, as shownin solid lines in FIGS. .5-7. Energization of the solenoid 3 iseffective to rotate the link 53 upwardly around the pin 57 on thesolenoid 4 into a raised position such as that shown in broken lines inFIG. 5, to thereby raise the plunger 30 of the switch 15 into fullyraised position. Similarly, energization of the solenoid 4, when thelinks 53 and 54 are disposed in the aforementioned normal at-restpositions, is effective to raise the links 53 and 54 upwardly around thepins 56 and 58 on the solenoids 3 and 5, respectively, into the positionshown in broken lines in FIG. 6, to thereby raise the plunger 31 of boththe switches 15 and 16 into fully raised position. Likewise,energization of the relay 5, when the links 53 and 54 are disposed inthe aforementioned normal at-rest positions, is effective to raise thelink 54 upwardly around the pin 57 on the solenoid 4 into the brokenline position in FIG. 7, to thereby raise the plunger 30 of the switch16 into fully raised position. Thus, it will be seen that each time thesolenoid 3 is energized and then deenergized, the switch 15 is actuatedonce; each time the solenoid 4 is energized and then deenergized both ofthe switches 15 and 16 are actuated once; and each time the solenoid 5is energized and then deenergized the switch 16 is actuated once.

The poles 19 of the switches 15 and 16 in the control mechanism 1 arealways disposed in such position that when the switch 10 is open, andthe solenoids 3-5 are deenergized, one of the solenoids 3-5 is connectedbetween the conductor 52 and the conductor 11. Thus, when the conductors11 and 12 are connected to a suitable source of electric power, and theswitch 10 is closed, the solenoid 3, 4 or 5 which is connected betweenthe conductor 11 and the conductor 52 is energized. When the switch 10is again opened, so that the solenoid 3, 4, or 5, which has beenenergized is again deenergized, the circuitry between the conductor 11and the conductor 52 is changed in such a manner that another one of thesolenoids 3, 4, or 5 is connected between the conductor 11 and theconductor 52, as will be discussed in greater detail presently.

Thus, for example, in the operation of the control mechanism 1, when thepoles 19 of the switches 15 and 16 are disposed in the position shown inFIG. 5, and the links 53 and 54 are disposed in normal at-rest position,with the conductors 11 and 12 connected to the opposite sides 13 and 14of the aforementioned suitable power source, closure of the switch 10 iseffective to energize the solenoid 3, the circuit for efiiecting thisextending from the side 14 of the power source, through the conductor12, the switch 10, the conductor 52, the pole 19 of the switch 16, thestationary contact 17 of the switch 16, the conductor 51, the pole 19 ofthe switch 15, the stationary contact 17 of the switch 15, the conductor48, the winding 6 of the solenoid 3, the conductor 44, and the conductor11, to the other side 13 of the power source. It will be remembered thatsuch energization of the solenoid 3 is effective to raise the link 53upwardly around the pin 57 on the solenoid 4, to thereby raise theplunger 30 of the switch 15 into fully raised position. Subsequently,when the switch 10 is again opened, the resulitng downward movement ofthe plunger 30 of the switch 15 is efiective to rotate the sprocketwheel 28 and the cam 24 through one-eighth of a rotation, in acounterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, to thereby move thepole 19 of the switch 15 from its engagement with the stationary contact17 into engagement with the stationary contact i the switch 15, as shownin FIG. 6. This movement of the pole 19 of the switch 15 is effective tobreak the connection between the solenoid 3 and the conductor 52, and toconnect the solenoid 4 to the conductor 52. Hence, closure of the switch10 is then effective to energize the solenoid 4, this circuit extendingfrom the side 14 of the power source, through the conductor 12, theswitch 10, the conductor 52, the pole 19 of the switch 16, thestationary contact 17 of the switch 16, the conduotor 51, .the pole 19of the switch 15, the stationary contact 18 of the pole 15, theconductor 49, the winding 6 of the solenoid 4, the conductor 45, and theconductor 11 to the other side 13 of the power source.

This energization of the solenoid 4, it will be remem- 7 bered, iseffective to pivot the links 53 and 54upwardiy around the pins 56 and58, respectively, into the position shown in broken lines in FIG. 6.Such movement of the links 53 and 54 is effective to raise the plungers36 of both the switches 15 and 16 into fully raised position, andsubsequently, when the switch 10 is again opened to thereby deenergizethe solenoid 4, the resulting downward movement of the plungers 39 ofthe switches 15 and 16 is etiective to move the pole pieces thereof fromthe 7 position shown in FIG. 6 to the position shown in FIG. 7, whereinthe pole piece 19 of the switch 15 is now again engaged with stationarycontact 17, and the pole 19 of the switch 16 is engaged with thestationary contact 18.

This latter positioning of the pole pieces 19 of the switches 15 and 16is effective to disconnect the solenoid 4 from the conductor 52, and toconnect the solenoid 5 between theconductor 11 and the conductor 52.Hence, when the switch is again closed, the solenoid 5 is energized, thecircuit for accomplishing this extending from the side 14 of the powersource through the conductor 12, the switch 10, the conductor 52, thepole 1% of the switch 16, the contact 18 of the switch 16, the conductor56, the winding 6 of the solenoid 5, the conductor 46, and the conductor11 to the other side 13 of the power source. This energization of thesolenoid 5 and the subsequent deenergization thereof, when the switch 16is again opened, is effective to rotate the link 53 upwardly into theraised position shown in FIG.7 and then back down into the normalat-rest position shown in solid lines in EEG. 7,

I to thereby actuate the switch 16, and move the pole piece 19 thereofback into engagement with the stationary contact 17. This it will beseen again positions the switches and 16 in the same position as showninFIG. 5, so that the solenoid 3 is again connected between theconductor 11 and the conductor 52 and will again be encrgized upon thenext closing of the normally open switch 10.

, Thus, it will be seen that my novel control mechanism 1 is soconstituted and arranged that repeated actuation of the normally openswitch 10 is automatically etfective to sequentially energize thesolenoids 3-5. In a device such as, for example, the vending machine 2shown in the drawings, this means that the actuating mechanism actuatedby or by controlled by the solenoids 3-5 are likewise sequentiallyactuated. Hence, the control mechanism 1 shown in the drawings aifordsan effective control mechanism for insuring a sequential operation ofthree units such as, for example, the dispensing units of adjacentstacks or columns of merchandise in a vending machine, such as thevending machine 2 shown in the drawings.

The control mechanism 1 shown in FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings merelyembodies three solenoids 3-5. "However, my' invention is not limited tocontrol mechanisms embodying merely three' solenoids, and a controlmechanism embodying any plurality of solenoids may be constructedwithout departing from the purview of my invention. In each suchconstruction, one less single-pole double-throw switch than the numberof solenoids is used, with each switch disposed in such position that itmay be actuated by a respective pair of solenoids.

7 Thus, for example, in FIGS. 8-11, the modified form of the presentinvention is shown wherein the control mechanism 59 shown thereinembodies the same structure as thecontrol mechanism 1, with a solenoid6t} and associated mechanism added thereto. The control mechanism 59,like'the control mechanism 1, includes three solenoids 3-5, twosingle-pole double-throw switches 15 corresponds to control mechanism 1,are that: the conductor 43 is not connected between the stationaryconductor 1'7 of the switch 15 and the end 47 of the winding 6 of thesolenoid 4, but is connected between the stationary contact 17 of theswitch 15 and the pole 19 of the newly added single-pole double-throwswitch 61, which is identical in construction to the switches 15 and 16;and thestationary contact 18 of the newly added switch 61 is connectedby a conductor 62 to the end 47 of the windings 6 of the solenoid 4. Thestationary contact 17 of the switch 61 is connected by a conductor 63 tothe end 47 of the wind ng of the solenoid 60, the end 43 thereof beingconnected to the conductor 11 by a conductor 64.

In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 8-11, the solenoid 60 isdisposed adjacent to the solenoid 3, with the switch 61 disposed betweenthe solenoids 60 and 3. A new link 65 which is identical in construction7 to the links 53 and 54 is secured 'by a pin 66 to the lower end of theplunger 7 of the solenoid 66, and by the pin 56 to the. lower end of theplunger '7 of the solenoid 3.

In the operation of the control mechanism 59 shown in FIGS. 8-11, thesolenoids 66, 3, 4, and 5 are sequentially energized in that order byrepeated actuations of ra'tusfshown in FIGS. 8-11 is the same as thecorre- V sponding' apparatus of the control mechanism 1, shown in FIGS.5-7, except for that portion to the left of switch 15 as viewed in FIGS,8-11. Thechangcs in the cirthe normally open switch 11), with thesolenoid 60 being energized after the solenoid 5 to start a new cycle ofoperation. Thus, for example, with the poles 19 of the switches 61, 15,and 16 disposed in the positions shown in FIG. 8, closure of the switch10 is effective to energize the solenoid 61), the circuit for thisextending from the side 14 of the power source through the conductor 12,the switch 14), the conductor 52, the pole 19 of the switch 16, thestationary contact 17 of the switch 16, the conductor 51, the pole 19 ofthe switch 15, the stationary contact 17 of the switch 15, the conductor48, the pole 19 of the switch 61, the stationary contact 17 of theswitch 61, the condutcor 63, the winding 6 of the solenoid 60, theconductor 64, and the conductor 11 to the other side 13 of the powersource. The upward and downward movement of the link 65 efiected by theenergization and subsequent deonergization of the solenoid 61) iseffective to actuate the'switch 61 to thereby move the'pole 19thereoffrom engagement with the stationary contact 17 into engagementwith stationary contact 18, as shown in FIG. 9.

With-this new positioning of the switches 61, 15, and 16, closure of thenormally open switch 16 is effective to energize the solenoid 3, thecircuit for so doing as shown in FIG. 9, extending from the side 14 ofthe power source, through the conductor 12, the switch 10, the conductor52, the pole 19 of the switch 16, the stationary contact 17 of theswitch 16, the conductor 51, the pole 19 of the switch 15, thestationary contact 17 of the switch 15, the conductor 48, the pole 19 ofthe switch 61, the stationary contact 18 of the switch 61, the conductor62, the winding 6 of the solenoid 3, the conductor 44, and the conductor11 to the other side 13 of the gization of the solenoid 3 is effectiveto raise and lower both the link 65 and the link 53 to thereby actuateboth the switch 61 and the switch 15. The actuation of the switches 61and 15 is effective to move the pole 19 of the switch 61 back intoengagement with the stationary contact 17 thereof, and to move the pole19 of the switch 15 into engagement with the stationary contact 18 ofthelatter switch. V

, The next two actuations of the normally open switch 11 is eiiective toenergize the solenoids 4 and 5, the circuitry for the operation of thesolenoids 4' and 5, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, being the same as thecircuitry for the same energization thereof when the. solenoids aredisposed in the control mechanism 1, as shown in FIGS. 6 and7,'respectively. The energizationand deenergization of the solenoid 5,is eifeetive to actuate The subsequent energization and deeneri 3 shownin FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIG. 8, to thereby complete thecycle of operation and dispose the control mechanism 59 in condition tostart a new cycle of operation as shown in FIG. 8.

It will be seen that with my novel control mechanism, additionalsolenoids may be readily added thereto, by merely adding a new solenoid,and a new single-pole, double-throw switch to the end of the line ofsolenoids opposite to the end at which the switch, such as the switch16, is disposed, which is connected to the normally open switch 10;changing the connection of the single-pole, double-throw switch adjacentto the new such switch from the end 47 of the winding 6 of the previousoutermost solenoid 3, 4, or 5 at that end of the line of solenoids, tothe pole 19 of the new switch, such as, for example, changing theconnection of the conductor 48 from the end 47 of the winding 6 of thesolenoid 3 to the pole 19 of the newly added switch 61; connecting onestationary contact, such as the contact 18 of the new switch, such asthe switch 61, to the thus vacated end 47 of the winding 6 of theprevious endmost solenoid, such as the switch 3; adding a new link, suchas the link 65, between the newly added solenoid and the adjacentpreviously endmost solenoid; and connecting the newly added solenoid tothe newly added switch and to the line 11 in the same manner as theadjacent solenoid had previously been connected to the conductor 11 andits respective switch.

Similarly, it will be seen that the number of solenoids embodied in mynovel control mechanism may be reduced in number to any plurality ofsuch solenoids by: removing the links and switches at the end of theline of solenoids opposite the end to which the switch which isconnected to the switch 10 is disposed; removing the links directlyconnected to the thus removed solenoids; and connecting the then freeend of the conductor, such as the conductor 51 or 48, which hadpreviously been connected to the pole 19 of the last one of the singlepole double-throw switches to be removed to the end 47 of the winding 6of the solenoid which had been disposed adjacent to the solenoids whichare being removed from the control mechanism.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, although thepreferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein asembodying electrically actuated solenoids and switches, this is merelyby way of illustration and not by way of limitation, and other devicesmay be substituted therefor without departing from the purview of thepresent invention. Thus, for example, electric motors, operable toreciprocate the plungers 7 could be substituted for the solenoids 3-5and 6d; and the electrical conductors 11 and 12 could be changed toexhaust conduits and pressure conduits, respectively, for air orhydraulic fluid, the solenoids 3-5 and 60 could be changed to air motorsor hydraulic motors, the switches 15, 15, and 61 could be changed tosuitable three-way valves, and the conductors 44-46, 4842, and 62454could be changed to air or hydraulic conduits without departing from thepurview of the broader aspects of the present, invention.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention affords anovel control mechanism for sequentially effecting the actuation of aplurality of devices.

In addition, it will be seen that the present invention aliords novelcontrol mechanism which is practical and efiicient in operation, andwhich may be readily and economically produced commercially.

Thus, while I have illustrated and described the preferred embodimentsof my invention, it is to be understood that these are capable ofvariation and modification, and I therefore do not wish to be limited tothe precise details set forth, but desire to avail myself of suchchanges and alterations as fall within the purview of the followingclaims.

I claim:

l. A control mechanism for effecting sequential operation of devicescomprising a plurality of movable members operable upon movement toactuate respective ones of said devices, a plurality of drive membersoperatively connected to respective ones of said movable members formoving the latter upon energization of said drive members, a source ofpower for energizing said drive members, selector means for sequentiallyconnecting said drive members to said source of power to therebysequentially move said movable members, said means including controlmeans operatively connected to said drive members, and actuating meansoperatively connected-to said drive members and said control means foractuating said selector means upon actuation of each of said movablemembers.

2. A control mechanism for effecting sequential operation of devicescomprising a plurality of reciprocablc elongated plungers operable uponreciprocation to actuate respective ones of said devices, a plurality ofdrive members operatively connected to respective ones of said plungersfor so reciprocating the latter upon energizetion of said drive members,a source of power for energizing said drive members, and means forsequentially connecting said drive members to said source of power tothereby sequentially reciprocate said plungers, selector meansoperatively connected to said plungers and said source of power, andactuating means operatively connected to said plungers and said selectormeans for actuating said selector means upon actuation of each of saidplungers.

3. A control mechanism for effecting sequential operation of devicescomprising a plurality of movable members operable upon movement toactuate respective ones of said devices, a plurality of drive membersoperatively connected to respective ones of said movable members formoving the latter upon energization of said drive members, a source ofpower for energizing said drive members, and means for sequentiallyconnecting said drive members to said source of power to therebysequentially move said movable members, said means including selectormeans operatively connected to said drive members, and a plurality oflinks, each of said links eing operatively connected to an adjacent pairof said movable members for actuation thereby, and means operativelyconnecting said links to said selector means for actuation of the latterupon actuation of said links by said movable members.

4. A control mechanism comprising two electrical conductors, a pluralityof more than two solenoids, and means for sequentially electricallyconnecting said solenoids across said conductors, said means comprisingswitch means operatively connected to said solenoids, and a plurality oflinks, each of said links being operatively connected to an adjacentpair of said solenoids for actuation thereby, two of said solenoidsbeing connected to a respective single link, and means operativelyconnecting said links to said switch means for actuation of the latterupon actuation of said links by said solenoids.

5. A control mechanism comprising a plurality of more than twosolenoids, one end of the windings of each of said solenoids beingelectrically connected to acommon conductor, a plurality of switches,said switches being one less in number than said solenoids, saidswitches being electrically connected to each other and to saidsolenoids, another electrical conductor, a normally open switchelectrically connected between said other conductor and saidfirst-mentioned switches, and movable means operatively connected tosaid first-mentioned switches and disposed in position to be actuated bysaid solenoids upon energization of said solenoids for sequentiallyactusaid. conductors are connected to opposite sides of a source ofelectric power.

6. In an electrical system including two conductors l l connected toopposite sides of a source of electric power, a control mechanismcomprising a line of more than two solenoids disposed in side-by-sidespaced relation to each other, a line of single-pole double-throwswitches, said switches being one less in number than said solenoids,each of said switches being disposed between a respective pair of saidsolenoids and including two stationary contacts and a pole movablebetween said contacts, one end of the windings of said solenoids beingelectrically connected to one of said conductors, one stationary contactof one of the end ones of said switches being electrically connected tothe other end of said winding of the adjacent solenoid disposedoutwardly of said one switch, the other stationary contact of each ofsaid switches being electrically connected to said other end of saidwinding of arespective adjacent one of the other of said solenoids, anormally open switch, said pole of the one of said switches at the otherend of said line of switches from said firstmentioned one switch beingelectrically connected to one side of said normally open switch, theother side of said normally open switch being connected to the other oneof said conductors, said one contact of each of said firstmentionedswitches other than said first-mentioned one switch being connected tothe pole of the switch disposed adjacent thereto in the direction ofsaid first-mentioned one switch, said poles of said first mentionedswitches being disposed in position to connect only one of saidsolenoids between said one conductor and said one side of said normallyopen switch when said normally open switch is open, and actuating meansoperatively connected to said solenoids and said first-mentionedswitches in position to actuate said switches in such order as tosequentially disconnect said solenoid connected to said one side of saidnormally open switch and connect a respective other one of saidsolenoids to said one side of said normally open switch and connect arespective other one of said solenoids to said one side of said normallyopen switch each time said normally open switch is closed and thenopened.

7. The combination defined in claim 6, and in which said actuating meanscomprises means operatively connected to said poles and to saidsolenoids for shifting said poles between said stationary contacts uponenergization of said solenoids. I

8. The combination defined in claim 6, and in which said actuating meanscomprises a plurality of links operatively disposed relative to saidsolenoids for actuation thereby, said links being operatively connectedto said first-mentioned switches for actuating the latter upon saidactuation of said links.

9. The combination defined in claim 6, and in which said actuating meanscomprises a plurality of links, said links being one less in number thansaid solenoids, eac of said links being operatively connected to arespective adjacent pair of said solenoids for actuation thereby, andeach of said links being operatively connected to the pole piece of arespective one of said switches for moving said pole piece from one toanother of said stationary contacts of said switch upon said actuationof said respective link.

10. A control mechanism comprising two electrical conductors eachadapted to be connected to a respective side of a source'of electricpower, three solenoids, one

end of the windings of each of said solenoids being connectedto oneof-said conductors, control means cona of said two switches having twostationary contacts and a movable contact movable between saidstationary contacts, one of said stationary contacts of each of said twoswitches being connected to said other end of. said winding of arespective one of two said solenoids, the other of said stationarycontacts of one of said two switches being connected to said other endof said winding of the third of said solenoids, the other or" saidstationary contacts of the other of said two switches being connected tosaid movable contact of said one switch, said movable contact of saidother switch being connected to one side of said normally open switch,the other side of said normally open switch being connected to saidother conductor, and means connected to said solenoids and said movablecontacts and operable by said solenoids for actuating said two switchesand se uentially connecting said solenoids to said one side or" saidnormally open switch.

11. A control mechanism comprising two electrical condoctors, first,second and third solenoids, one end of the winding of each of saidsolenoids being electrically connected to one of said conductors,control means electrically connected between the other end of all ofsaid windings and the other of said conductors for controllingelectrical connection of said solenoids to said other conductor, saidcontrol means including first and second switches, and a normally openswitch, each of said first and second switches having two stationarycontacts, and a movable contact movable between said stationarycontacts, said stationary contacts of said first switch beingelectrically connected to said other end of said winding of said firstand second solenoids, respectively, said stationary contacts of saidsecond switch being electrically connected to said movable contact ofsaid first switch and to said other end of said winding of said thirdsolenoid, respectively, one side of said normally open switch beingelectrically connected to said movable con tact of said second switch,and the other side of said normally open switch being electricallyconnected to said other conductor, said movable contacts at all timeswhen said normally open switch is open being disposed in such positionthat one of said solenoids is electrically conneted to said one side ofsaid normally open switch whereby closing of said normally open switchis effective to energize said last-mentioned solenoid when saidconductors are-connected to a source of electric power, and meansoperatively connected to said solenoids'and said first and secondswitches and operable by said solenoids upon energization thereof foractuating said first and second switches upon each closing of saidnormally open switch to thereby sequentially connect said solenoids oneat a time to said one side of said normally open switch, saidlast-mentioned means comprising two elongated links, said movablecontact of said first switch being operatively connected to one of saidlinks for actuation thereby upon actuation of said one link, saidmovable contact of said second switch being operatively connected to theother of said links for actuation thereby upon actuation of said otherlink, said one link being operatively connected to said first and secondsolenoids and actuat- References Cited in the ille of this patent UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 'Aiken c Nov. 7, 0 Salati l June 28, 1955

1. A CONTROL MECHANISM FOR EFFECTING SEQUENTIAL OPERATION OF DEVICESCOMPRISING A PLURALITY OF MOVABLE MEMBERS OPERABLE UPON MOVEMENT TOACTUATE RESPECTIVE ONE OF SAID DEVICES, A PLURALITY OF DRIVE MEMBERSOPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO RESPECTIVE ONES OF SAID MOVABLE MEMBERS FORMOVING THE LATTER UPON ENERGIZATION OF SAID DRIVE MEMBERS, A SOURCE OFPOWER FOR ENERGIZING SAID DRIVE MEMBERS, SELECTOR MEANS FOR SEQUENTIALLYCONNECTING SAID DRIVE MEMBERS TO SAID SOURCE OF POWER TO THEREBYSEQUENTIALLY MOVE SAID MOVABLE MEMBERS, SAID MEANS INCLUDING CONTROLMEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID DRIVE MEMBERS, AND ACTUATING MEANSOPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID DRIVE MEMBERS AND SAID CONTROL MEANS FORACTUATING SAID SELECTOR MEANS UPON ACTUATION OF EACH OF SAID MOVABLEMEMBERS.